Tightening of immigration rules

‘A strict but fair asylum policy will enable us to be better prepared if the number of asylum seekers arriving in Norway increases once again. It is also crucial if we are to succeed in integrating those who are eligible to stay in Norway,’ said Minister of Immigration and Integration Sylvi Listhaug. 

On 26 August, Norway introduced rules that give the police extended authority to arrest and detain asylum seekers whose applications for asylum are thought to be manifestly unfounded. These applications will be processed in accordance with a special 48-hour procedure. 

In addition, the following provisions entered into force on Thursday 1 September:

• authorisation to implement special measures for refusing entry to asylum seekers at the borders with other Nordic countries in the event of the arrival of extraordinarily large numbers of asylum seekers;
• stricter rules for the expulsion of asylum seekers whose applications are clearly not eligible for consideration in Norway; and
• reduction of the deadline for lodging an appeal from three weeks to one week for asylum  seekers whose applications are manifestly      unfounded. 

Tightened measures relating to internal displacement in asylum cases will enter into force on 1 October. 

The Ministry of Justice and Public Security will continue to seek to implement the other measures adopted this summer as quickly as possible.